John A. Digati, psychologist and counselor

John Anthony Digati, of Sloan, who owned hair salons in Amherst, then became a psychologist and counselor at Buffalo Veterans Affairs Medical Center, died unexpectedly Monday. He was 84.

Mr. Digati began his career as owner and operator of Anthony’s Hair Fashions in Snyder in 1950 and opened shops on Transit Road and Main Street in Williamsville. He was president of the Hair Dressers Association of New York.

In 1970, he sold his Main Street location to the Town of Amherst, which built the Town Hall on the site, and enrolled at Rosary Hill College, earning a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in psychology.

He served as a drug and alcohol counselor at the VA Medical Center and the Vietnam Veterans Outreach Center, retiring in 1993, and did private counseling. He received many awards and honors.

Born in Buffalo, he attended St. Francis Elementary School and Hutchinson-Central High School. He served in the Army as a cook and was stationed with occupation forces in Japan.

Mr. Digati was a member of several veterans organizations. He enjoyed Friday night poker games, his two cats and traveling cross country in his RV.

Survivors include two sons, Thomas and Christopher, and two daughters, Lynette Domanski and Michele Witucki.